Small block vs. big block
short block vs. long block



Explain to me what's the better on and off the track, what engine is better to use as daily driver car, and what not to use at all.

 

I believe the difference between small block and big block is the distance between cylinder bores.

Big blocks are really going away, since small blocks are as big as 7.0 liters now.

Small blocks are alot lighter.

Curious. Why do you wanna know? Planning on a swap?

 

it might happen somewhere down the road.

This is the engine I've been looking at:

Ford Racing 340 HP 302 Gt-40 Aluminum Block

 

You are confusing two different things:

The term small block/big block is in reference to the motor size only when there are options. For example, the 4.6 V-8 might be viewed as a small block and the 5.4 as a big block.

Now, short block/long block refers to a motor that is pulled and how complete it is. A long block is fully assembled with oil pan and everything.

So, you could have a short block, big block. A long block, short block, or a big block, long block etc....

or did you know this?

 

No I'm just glad you had said something, every bit of detail and information is useful.
So just start filling my head with useful information. i'm looking into a Ford Racing 340 HP 302 Gt-40 Aluminum Block. Rite now i'm still saving money.

 

Keep in mind the whole "Big Block/Small Block" thing is really not a strict definition. Generally speaking, anything bigger then stock is a big block. The term goes back to the muscle car days....today, the term is not really used that often.

My Chrysler Pacifica has a 4.0L in it. That is the biggest engine offered by Chrysler on this car. It also comes with a 3.5L. Technically, my 4.0L would be a Big Block, but no one would ever use that term. However, if someone were to put a Hemi in it, then saying "Big Block" would be appropriate.

 

The small block/big block is a strict definition, just the size that classifies it doesn't. Basically, the small/big block are names for engine families. Ford, for example, never had a small/big block but just various engine families (Windsor, Cleveland (335 series), FE, FT, 385 series, Modular, etc.) but those engine can be classified into big/small block by bore spacing (small block being everything but the FE, FT, and 385 series). Chevy on the other hand only had 2 engine families which were small and big block.

 

yea I understand now. If I were to do an engine swap, "that is if it were to happen", could I possbily change new cylinder heads and new camshafts of my choice or should I just stick with whatever I have on the new engine? I hate to sound like a doofus asking these questions, but I must know.

 

You may be technically correct, but I just heard this exact converstion while watching BJ and this is where I got my defnition. But they also said that it does mean different things to different people. They also very specifically mentioned Ford and called the 429 Cobra Jet an example of a Big Block.